The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the Shephard team looks at the global MLRS market, focusing on current programmes and platform upgrades; and in an interview with the Digital Ground Forces Division of the IDF, we discuss its Tzaid programme, also known as Torch.Newsround [ 00:56] Turkish defence companies Ares Shipyard and Meteksan unveiled the new anti-submarine warfare variant of the ULAQ unmanned surface vehicle family on 23 April. Australia got one step closer to receiving its first UCAV after the US State Department approved a potential $1.65 billion FMS package for up to 12 weapons-ready MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft.The US Army in Europe is adopting Li-Fi optical wireless communication technology that uses the visible light, ultraviolet and IR spectra to transmit data.UK-based pureLiFi will provide its Kitefin system to US Army Europe and Africa in what the company described as ‘the world’s first large-scale deployment’ of the technology.In FocusA week on from the sinking of the Nangala Cakra-class (Type 209) Indonesian submarine north of the coast of Bali, News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Reporter Tim Fish look at submarine safety and consider the wider implications the incident will have on the Indonesian Navy.This week also marks a key moment for the Spanish Army as after a decade-long wait, Spanish shipbuilder Navantia launched the first of four S-80A Plus submarines and could be ready to deliver the new platforms from 2023. In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses Finland’s progress on the HX programme. Helsinki is getting closer to selecting an aircraft for its €9.4 billion ($11.4 billion) HX fighter competition after receiving best and final offers from five competitors.And the testing of IFV contenders for the Czech Army programmes begun this week with the service initiating tests of three IFVs on 26 April.  Deep Dive – Global Market of MLRS [23:20] Senior Land Analyst Sunny Butterworth discusses updates, replacements and the wider global market for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). Interview – IDF [41:48]Tim Fish is on the line with Major Amos Shor, Head of the Digital Ground Forces Division, Ground-Forces Weaponry Branch of the IDF, for a conversation about the Tzaid programme, also known as Torch. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we comment on Lockheed Martin’s Q1 financial results, we delve into IFV procurement in Slovakia, and we talk to Blighter Surveillance Systems about C-UAS market trends. Newsround [01:00]  Just two months after Moscow agreed to extend the New START nuclear arms treaty with the US, Russia is now updating its intercontinental ballistic missile inventory with plans to field a new-generation system to replace the RS-24 Yars.The Budget Committee of the German Parliament has approved investment totalling €600 million in multiple procurement programmes. Israel Aerospace Industries revealed on 19 April that the Barak ER extended-range interceptor missile, tested in March, is now in serial production with the Israeli defence forces most likely to be the launch customer. On 16 April, the French Navy received its first FREMM air defence frigate, Alsace,  from shipbuilder Naval Group. BAE Systems has finished construction of the bow of HMS Glasgow, which is the first City-class Type 26 frigate for the UK Royal Navy.In FocusAir Editor Tim  Martin discusses Lockheed Martin’s  Q1 financial results, in which the company said it can reduce operating costs of the F-35 to $25,000 per flight hour.In news from the land desk, Senior Land Reporter Tim  Fish discussed how the Slovak MoD is procuring new infantry fighting vehicles to replace its old Soviet-era platforms.Interview- Blighter Surveillance Systems [18:15] Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira speaks to Angus Hone, CEO of UK-based company Blighter, about the latest developments in C-UAS platforms and drone detection radars, as well as market trends for these systems. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

 In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Aeralis to discuss the company R&D contract with the RAF for the development of a modular jet; Viasat join us to dive into its efforts to counter cyber threats; and in a conversation with Bell we look at the company's progress on the V-280 Valor tiltrotor. Newsround [00:59]The USAF has suffered a setback in its quest to develop hypersonic weapons, after experiencing a failed booster vehicle flight test for the prototype AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon.Rostec announced on 9 April that the A Lyulki Design Bureau in its United Engine Corporation subsidiary has completed initial tests of a pulse detonation engine demonstrator.The ninth NATO-owned Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will feature the J- MUSIC missile-protection system from Elbit Systems, the Israeli company announced on 13 April.In the UK, Babcock International and BAE Systems will continue in-service support for the 4.5-inch Mk 8 medium-calibre guns used by the Royal Navy on its Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.In Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish and  Air Editor Tim Martin discuss US President Joe Biden’s announcement that the remaining US troops in Afghanistan are pulling out. While the US military involvement in Afghanistan could cease, Biden stressed that diplomatic and humanitarian work will continue between the two countries.Tim Fish reports on the US Army efforts to move ahead with the Cold weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) programme with the down-selection of two contenders.Tim Martin discusses a report from Shephard contributor Grzegorz Sobzack, who looked into the Polish Perkoz light helicopter procurement programme being suspended less than a year on from its launch. Interview- Aeralis [18:15] Tim Martin speaks to Tristan Crawford, CEO and Founder of Aeralis, about the company’s R&D contract award with the RAF and its joint initiative with Thales to develop the Aeralis family of aircraft. Interview- Viasat [39:32]Richard Thomas speaks to Ken Peterman, President of Government Systems at Viasat, to look at the company’s efforts in the world of cyber security.Industry Voice – Bell [59:26] Shephard Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks with  Carl Coffman, Vice President, Future Vertical Lift Strategy at Bell, about the company's progress on the V-280 Valor tiltrotor and how next-generation rotorcraft will meet the future needs of the US Army.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we discuss all the news across the air, land, and sea domains, and we talk to Israeli company Camero Tech about new sense-through-the-wall systems using ultra-wideband imaging.  Newsround [01:13] The USN is procuring 11 additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Boeing for $1.7 billion. Two of these will be supplied to the Royal Australian Air Force as a partner in the P-8A programme.The Japanese government has decided to deploy future F-35B fighters of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, as it eyes ways to protect its southwest archipelago.In Europe, meanwhile, the Slovak Air Force fleet of 13 Mi-17s is undergoing a partial overhaul that would add seven years or 1,000 flight hours to its service life.In FocusNews Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from Shephard contributor Samuel Beal, who reports on how SMEs and larger defence companies have recovered divergently one year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish joins the team on the show for the first time and provides an update on the US Army’s Integrated Tactical Network capabilities; he also discusses the significance of the recently reactivated US Army V Corps in Europe. The UK appears to be procuring an extra MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 platform, even though it remains unclear how this would benefit the RAF. Air Editor Tim Martin reports. Interview- Camero Tech [ 18:04] Ben Vogel is on the line with Amir Beeri, founder and CEO of Camero Tech, an Israeli company which specialises in ultra-wide band imaging solutions, to discuss the industry developments of See through the Walls technologies and the company solutions to provide operators with situational awareness. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we cast our gaze to the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the unrest in Myanmar, Chinese activities in the South China Sea and procurement highlights from across the region.Newsround [00:37]The US Army has placed a major order with sole bidder Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rocket pods.The UK Royal Navy is continuing efforts to explore the use of unmanned craft after welcoming into service the new Maritime Demonstrator For Operational Experimentation vessel, also known as Madfox.State tests of the Russian nuclear submarine Belgorod are expected to begin in May.This would mark a significant milestone in a programme that has experienced a series of setbacks and restarts since the submarine was laid down in 1992.France is making progress on its next-generation aircraft carrier and FDI frigate programmes, with additional details of design phases and vessel construction respectively. However, the delivery timeline for the first-in-class FDI vessel appears to have slipped slightly.In FocusIn the US, the Biden administration has given its blessing to the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) missile defence programme, overcoming fears that this initiative — a brainchild of the Trump presidency — would be cancelled. Ben Vogel discusses Jason Sherman’s report.  Air Editor Tim Martin reports on Swedish company Saab’s recent flight test of a 3D-printed hatch for Gripen. What does this mean for future frontline maintenance and repair? Deep dive- News from the Asia Pacific [13:45]Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur for an overview of the recent political and defence news from the region.Conversation topics include the military parade in Myanmar on 27 March, attended by representatives from Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, and Pakistan; latest steps by China to boost its presence in the South China Sea; a collaborative agreement between South Korea and Israel to market  loitering munitions; and scepticism about progress in the Attack-class programme for the Royal Australian Navy.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest    

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we go in-depth into the recently released MoD Command Paper, which sets out how the concept of a 'Global Britain in a competitive age' will be achieved from a military/strategic standpoint.Integrated Review- In focus [00:30]In this special edition of the podcast Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel are joined by Air Vice Marshal John Stringer, Director of Strategy at UK Joint Forces Command, and Gary Waterfall, retired AVM in the RAF and ex-Operations Chief of Staff in Permanent Joint Headquarters, now in post as the Senior Military Advisor to DSEI.In a roundtable discussion, we explore the implications of the Command Paper for the UK armed forces and look into broader strategic objectives that the MoD wants to achieve. Integrated Review – focus on Air, Land and Sea programmes [34:52]  Richard Thomas, Ben Vogel and Air Editor Tim Martin engage in an in-depth conversation about significant outcomes from the IR for key air, land and sea programmes.The first part of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy confirmed the UK carrier strike programme will progress with at least 48 F-35s to equip the RAF by 2025. The second part of the Command Paper released on 22 March raised some questions about what the actual number of aircraft will be.The MoD will expand nuclear weapons stockpile up to 260 warheads, and the National Shipbuilding Strategy will undergo an updates for vessels manufacturing, maintenance, subsystems and design. Type 26 , Type 31 and Type 32 frigates and the Fleet Solid Support Ship programme should go ahead, securing naval manufacturing through the 2020s.As for the British Army, procurement of Ajax and Boxer as well as the Challenger 2 upgrade are set to progress. This comes at the expense of the Warrior programme, which the MoD will terminate.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Integrated Review announcement in the House of Commons on Tuesday 16 March ahead of the MoD Command Paper to be released next week; and we look at attitude of the Biden administration to Indo-Pacific partnerships. Newsround [00:48]Raytheon Missiles & Defense claims to have successfully completed the ‘first-ever demonstration’ for the US Army of a Stinger missile fired from a Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit.US Army artillery planners are working with small businesses to come up with innovative solutions to the challenge of increasing cannon firing rates.The Indian Navy submarine fleet received a shot in the arm last week, when the third Project 75 diesel-electric boat was commissioned in Mumbai.In focus:In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin looks at the Integrated Review in the context of  additional funding for F-35B fighter aircraft.Tim also looks at a new contract for the UK to procure Aerovironment Switchblade loitering munitions.Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas looks at the plan in the Integrated Review to increase the maximum number of nuclear warheads in the UK arsenal. What is the reasoning behind the decision? Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira dives into the future of major UK armoured vehicle programmes. Does the IR’s focus on other areas such as cyber mean the government could neglect, slow down, or even cut the Ajax, Boxer, and Challenger 2 programmes?Flavia also reports on last week’s latest House of Commons Defence committee, which expressed concerns over the obsolescence of the British Army armoured fleet. Interview- US strategy in the Asia- Pacific [27:44] Richard Thomas is on the line with Editor and podcast host Duncan Bartlett to discuss recent visits to Tokyo and Seoul of US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, and the meeting between the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Chinese Foreign Minister. What are the US plans for future partnerships in the Indo-Pacific?What does China’s 6.8% rise in defence spending mean for the US and neighbouring countries?Industry Voice-  Wӓrtsilӓ Defence Solutions Ltd [49:49]Shephard Media's creative director Tony Skinner talks to Chris Rowlands, Managing Director of Wӓrtsilӓ Defence Solutions Ltd (WDSL) about the role of shaft line solutions in ensuring naval readiness. To learn more, go to: https://www.wartsila.com/insights/whitepaper/improving-seal-reliabilityThis episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to BAE Systems Hägglunds about a midlife upgrade of CV90 combat vehicles; and we also hear from Swedish security network company Clavister about their development of a cyber security solution for the same platform. Newsround [00:58] The Belgian Air Component has been forced to ground its entire F-16 fleet for urgent checks, following an incident last month when an aircraft experienced pipe burn problems with its engine after take-off.The US Army has conducted a successful 80km flight demonstration of the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System munition.Lockheed Martin has received a $7.83 million contract from DARPA for Phase 1 design work on the LongShot programme.The first booster test flight of AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon is scheduled for this month.In Focus Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the possibility that the Israeli Air Force F-35 fighter jets could be deployed in the Gulf. Tim explores what such an arrangement could mean, if it is introduced, for relationships between Israel, NATO, the Middle East and the UAE. The Czech Republic has established a new Intergovernmental Defence Cooperation Agency (AMOS) to support national defence businesses and facilitate exports. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at what impact the new agency could have on the country’s defence industry. Interview – BAE Systems Hägglunds [19:45] Flavia speaks to Dan Lindell,  Director Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems Hägglunds, for details on the modernisation and midlife upgrades of CV90 armoured vehicle fleets among user countries.Interview- Clavister [29:56] As CV90 modernisation efforts advance, Swedish network security company Clavister is working with BAE Systems Hägglunds to add cybersecurity solutions to those vehicles. Flavia speaks to Clavister’ s CEO John Vestberg  to learn more about the RSG-400 and RSW-400 cyber protection systems. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we talk with Shephard’s Military Training editor for an update from his domain, and we are joined by Defence Insight’s Naval Analyst for a discussion about today’s second-hand warship market. Newsround [00:46]In Europe, the four NATO allies in the Visegrad Group aim to acquire more sophisticated defence equipment after recently deciding to jointly procure small arms ammunition.In the US, Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and Boeing engineers are assembling hardware for the first Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator pod, or SHIELD.In news from the naval domain, Huntington Ingalls Industries is providing more long-lead time materials to the Navy for the fourth America-class amphibious assault ship.Elsewhere, a report issued on 24 February by the Canadian Parliamentary Budget Officer indicates that plans to build 15 new frigates for the Royal Canadian Navy could run significantly over budget. In focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from Shephard’s contributor Alex Tarasoff who reports on new design developments of the Russian Udar armed UGV.As Poland has once again revised its Kruk attack helicopter programme, Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the current status of affairs.   And in news from the land desk, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about a new tender expected to be released under the CATV programme. Deep dive – News from the Military Training sector [22:39]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano speaks with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash for a catch up on all the recent stories from the sector including the acquisition by Canadian company CAE of L3 Harris technologies business.Interview- Defence Insight [40:20]Senior Editor (Naval) Richard Thomas welcomes to the show Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood for a conversation around second-hand warships, which remain an attractive solutions for developing navies with budgets constraints. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss some of the main highlights from the floor of IDEX 2021; and in an interview with Curtiss Wright company PacStar we discuss developments in battlefield tactical communications and the challenges ahead. Newsround [00:46]The Shephard news team is joined by freelance contributor Leonid Nersisyan, calling in from Abu Dhabi where he attended IDEX/NAVDEX 2021. In a roundtable discussion, the team looks at news from the event and main capabilities on display across the three domains land, air, and sea. LANDLand Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira and Leonid engage in a discussion around the main ground systems developments from exhibitors.These include: Spanish company Escribano, which launched new remote weapon stations (RWS) specially configured for the Middle East market; and French company Arquus, which revealed its Hornet RWS on the Scarabee light armoured vehicle.Russia presented the T-14 tank, produced by Uralvagonzavod (part of Rostec State Corporation). The new tank is fitted with a high degree of protection against all existing and future-generation anti-tank weapons, including precision-guided munitions.South Korean company, Kia Corporation displayed its new Light Tactical Cargo Truck and Bare Chassis concept; and MBDA showcased its Sky Warden offers flexible C-UAS with sensor fusion.AIR & SEA [18:22]Following conflicts in recent years in Nagorno-Karabakh which saw increased use of loitering munitions, the Armenian defence industry showcased new small drones by Pride Systems. The company exhibited two models of its own design at the show: a fixed-wing drone with variable-sweep wings and a pentacopter. The UAE announced that the third GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft was delivered on 20 February by Saab. And Austrian company Schiebel revealed it is developing the S-300 as a larger and heavier rotary-wing UAV in its Camcopter range. At the parallel show, NAVDEX, a ceremony for the logistic support vessel Al Saadiyat (L72) was held as part of efforts by the UAE to modernise its naval fleet. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) exhibited several scale models of new vessels being designed and manufactured domestically. These include the 60m-long Falaj 3 patrol vessel.Interview – Curtiss-Wright company PacStar [33:28]News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with PacStar CTO Charlie Kawasaki to discuss trends in network modernisation for tactical battlefield communications. What innovative technologies and methods are going to make an impact? This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.